Nothing Out Of Nothing

I left my home, my family by the ocean,
Out on my own to seek my fortune;
There's no work to occupy these young hands,
So look out, boy! You're heading for the mainland!

And what do you do?
Can't make nothing out of nothing,
Everybody needs a start;
And what do you do?
Can't make nothing out of nothing,
Give my country back its heart.

Now I was born on a St. John's street,
Where all my hopes could meet with defeat;
I hired my days to higher education,
Now I'm so smart I could rule this condemnation.

And what do you do?
Can't make nothing out of nothing,
Everybody needs a start;
And what do you do?
Can't make nothing out of nothing,
Give my country back its heart.

Now I'm alone but I'm working everyday,
I'm getting stoned and blowing all my pay;
Just to survive I'll do whatever I can,
Now I'm alive, but I cannot be a real man.

And what do you do?
Can't make nothing out of nothing,
Everybody needs a start;
And what do you do?
Can't make nothing out of nothing,
Give my country back its heart.

####.... Séan McCann of Great Big Sea (Up, 1995) ....####

See more Great Big Sea songs.